Ashley Merrill knows a thing or two about living comfortably. As the founder of the modern loungewear line Lunya, she spends her days perfecting the art of lounging (hello washable silk robes and linen rompers!). And when she’s off the clock, she heads home to the Malibu beach house she shares with her husband and children, where the cozy, pared-back aesthetic of her brand comes fully to life. Trust us when we say you’re going to fall in love with Ashley Merrill’s home.
Since moving into the breezy home two years ago, Merrill has transformed the space into a place where she can always tap into a vacation state of mind.
It’s a vibe that her home’s killer views of the Pacific Ocean, breezy light wood accents, and swaths of creamy white textiles certainly help achieve.
Read on to discover her take on beach living, how to bring a little bit of Zen into every space (ocean views not required), and shop Ashley Merrill’s home.
How did you end up in this beautiful beach house?
We purchased our home in Malibu on the beach when the kids were young and we were working so much that travel was out of the question. The house allowed us to have a “home away from home” and attempt to turn our brains off a little.
Shop the space
Restoration Hardware Chunky Hand Knit Throw
Cozy up with this exquisitely warm wool throw. It’s insanely soft with a silky finish for the best cuddle you’ve ever experienced.
Lawrence of La Brea Afghan Kilim Rug
This handmade flat-weave rug is an absolutely gorgeous one-of-a-kind piece that is an absolute showstopper. It’s one of many absolutely stunning rugs in Ashley Merrill’s home.
Etsy Midcentury Ceramic Bust
There are few things cooler than a vintage bust, and this one is perfectly worn-in, elegant, and timeless.
Tito Agnoli-Style IKEA Vintage Chaise
You may not be able to get your hands on Merrill’s vintage Agnoli, but this sloping chair was produced by IKEA around the same time in the 60s. It’s in great shape, gorgeous, and unique.
Who are your dream house guests?
I would love to meet Charlie Brooker, the creator of Black Mirror.
What was your biggest design challenge for the space?
The scale of the communal rooms made balance hard.
Shop the space
Steen Ostergaard A-Line Dining Chair
Reissued in 2012, these iconic Danish mid-century chairs perfectly complement Merrill’s custom table.
Heath Ceramics Tall Vase in Opaque White and Matte Brown
This lovely unique vase is perfect for flower lovers. It has matte brown bubbles stretched across opaque white ceramic to create a stunning variation on your everyday vase.
What’s your number one interior design tip?
Don’t feel the need to fill the space with things that don’t move you. If every piece is fabulous, you will love the outcome.
What are your favorite design resources?
Instagram and Pinterest! I love to follow Kirill Bergart, Valentina Ullberg, Nathan Lindberg, InteriorGlobe, Elena Caratnicid, and many more!
Shop the space
Restoration Hardware Stonewashed Belgian Linen Bedding
This understated linen bedding is woven from fine Belgian flax and stonewashed to enhance its natural softness. It’s a lightweight, breathable, and supple fabric that gets softer over time.
Maaari Banga Planter
Ensconce your plants in this gorgeous ceramic planter. It’s a unique take on an everyday ceramic pot.
Karina Bania Artwork
Merrill’s bedroom features a triptych of Bania’s work, it’s a beautiful and peaceful way to add priceless art to your home.
Pottery Barn Bolinas Upholstered Ottoman
Add a bit of plush to your bedroom with this ottoman, it’s similar to Merrill’s and is the perfect place to plop.
Tell us about your amazing ocean view!
The view basically sold us on the whole house. Nature is the best way to recharge in my opinion. I feel grateful to be able to experience nature a stone’s throw away.
What are your favorite places to shop for furniture and décor?
Charish, Pomono, Hem, TRNK, and Saatchi are among my faves.
Fill in the Blank: A well designed home should represent you.
What inspired you to create Lunya?
Lunya was inspired by personal experience. I wanted something that allowed me to feel comfortable and confident at home.
How does Lunya inspire your home (and vice-versa)?
Lunya is an extension of my less-is-more mindset. I love minimalism and feel like the cool modern vibes of Lunya can work in so many styles. I use the bedrooms in my home as an opportunity to showcase design inspiration and show how seamlessly Lunya can integrate into any space.
Shop the space
Joinery Cru Rug
Add some texture with this woven rug, it’s beautifully made on antique wooden looms.
Magnus Home Cast Iron Stainless Steel Tub
It doesn’t get much dreamier than this absolutely stunning bathtub.
Kalon Studios Stump
Made from a solid block of green wood, this simple and contemporary form is a unique addition to Merrill’s bathroom.
Ryan McFarland Artwork
We can’t get enough of this evocative piece of art. It looks gorgeous above Merrill’s tub.
Describe your home in five words or less.
Modern, clean, minimal, family, relaxation.
What’s your favorite spot in the house?
The bedroom, always—and the view doesn’t hurt.
Shop the space
Zilalila Nest Knitted Bean Bag
Craving a bean bag chair but don’t want to ruin your home’s aesthetic? Look no further from this gorgeous handwoven chair made from New Zealand wool. It’s one of our favorite pieces in Ashley Merrill’s home.
The Citizenry Amani Basket
Store your accessories in this gorgeous Ugandan basket. It’s the most stylish way to hide your clutter or jazz up a planter.
Joss and Main Pearcy Hand-Knotted Wool Rug
Keep your toes nice and snuggly with this luxurious, plush rug.
How does comfort and relaxation play into your design inspiration?
This is a home entirely oriented around communal spaces. I wanted things to feel modular and comfortable, so there are lots of plush textures and oversized pieces. I went for a lot of white, which can be risky, but I used all washable fabrics to keep it easy for living with a family.
What is your favorite way to spend time at home?
I love hanging with the kids. Actually, my favorite moments are when we are all together, but all doing our own things.
What was the design inspiration for decorating this house?
I was inspired by the ocean. I know that feels obvious, but it was the obvious focal feature of this house, so we really oriented everything around that.
Any other final thoughts on your home?
I love mixing high and low and sometimes throwing in something that is a little unexpected. In my home and in our bedrooms, you will always see a little something that has a wink to it to keep things playful.
